Cyber Security Center

What is Autorun


Autorun

Autorun is a feature used in Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and later versions of Windows. This feature is enabled in devices’ default settings. Autorun enables automatic start-up of applications without the user’s knowledge or permission, so this feature is widely used by malicious software developers. For all users using Microsoft Windows OS, it is recommended to disable Autorun functionality on devices.

 

Below are instructions on how to do this:

Preparatory actions:

To effectively turn off automatic start-up, users must download and install the following Microsoft Windows OS updates:

  • Windows XP x64 Update (KB967715):

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=10082

  • Windows Server 2003 Update (KB967715):

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=4582

  • Windows Server 2003 x64 update (KB967715):

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=20641

If automatic Windows updates are enabled on your computer, these update packages are already installed and no additional downloads are required. No additional updates are required for users of Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and later OS versions.

Autorun shutdown:

For Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000:

  1. Click Start;
  2. Click Run, enter Gpedit.msc and click OK;
  3. In the window that opens, extend the Administrative Templates list to the left, and extend the System list;
  4. In Setting, find the entry Turn off Autoplay, right-click and choose Properties;
  5. Check Enabled in the pop-up box and choose All drives from the options below;
  6. Press OK and restart your computer.

For Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008:

  1. Press Start;
  2. In the Search box, enter Gpedit.msc and press Enter;
  3. In the window that opens, extend the Administrative Templates list to the left, and extend the Windows Components list;
  4. Choose Autoplay policies in the list of settings;
  5. In Details, double click on Default Behavior for Autorun;
  6. Check Enabled and select Do not execute any Autorun commands in the Default Autorun behavior options;
  7. Restart the computer.

For Windows 7 and later versions:

  1. Go to Control Panel, choose Large icons or Small icons layout;
  2. Click on Autoplay settings;
  3. In the window that opens, uncheck the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices and click Save;
  4. Restart the computer.